Pages

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

I've been a subscriber of Paper Pumpkin since the beginning... and although not all of the projects have been my style, I've enjoyed having a kit to take with me anytime I've needed a little something crafty to fill my time. Paper Pumpkin has gone with me on business trips (this happens almost every month), to the park when I just need to get out and get some fresh air, and to my son's kickboxing lesson... this is my favorite because I get to create with my friend Pam - she brings her kit, too.

The only regret I have about being a Paper Pumpkin subscriber already is... I don't get to take advantage of specials like the one going on now. LOL!

Seriously though... this is an amazing deal! If you've never subscribed to Paper Pumpkin before, why not try it now? Click here to sign up and take advantage of the savings! There is no obligation to continue receiving Paper Pumpkin after your first month, but honestly... why wouldn't you?

If you have any questions, or still aren't sure if you are ready to be a Paper Pumpkin subscriber, please reach out to me and I'll answer any questions you may have.

Monday, August 21, 2017

There's no shame in CASEing (CASE - Copy and Share Everything) a card that inspires you... in fact, it's encouraged! Most of us crafters get much of our inspiration from Pinterest, but have you ever looked at the Stampin' Up! catalog for ideas? In fact, the catalog used to be called an idea book and catalog. There are so many wonderful cards, packaging, and home decor items pictured - but I, like many others, focus on the product and overlook the photos.

Isn't that gift box gorgeous? I would LOVE to be able to create packaging like that, but I barely have time to send out cards on time, let alone shop for presents. It's okay, my friends accept me as I am... they understand and are often in the same boat.

One of my closest friends had a birthday earlier in the month, and although I wished her a heartfelt happy birthday on the actual day, I wanted to create a card that was just for her (I find it difficult to send out cards that were created for card classes... weird, I know). So I sat down, pulled out my catalog, and flipped the pages until I landed on the one above.

I have fun posting on Facebook teasers of the cards I create... most of the time the pictures are of my mess, um, I mean creative process. This time it was the back of one of the card elements. There were many thoughts on how many Dimensionals should be used on a card/element when I asked the question on my Facebook page... but the overwhelming response (or so I think) is that one could never have too many Dimensionals! What do you think?

And here is the finished card! This picture doesn't do all of the foil and bling justice... it's so much more sparkly in person! My dear friend loved it - especially when I told her I created it just for her. She is worth it, after all.

Now go pick up your Stampin' Up! catalog and find a project that inspires you... and start creating!

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Since I've been posting all of my creations, I thought you'd want to see what my friend Jennifer came up with! She used the Ribbon of Courage stamp set. Check out these beauties!!

The story of the card above is a sweet one... it was created for Jennifer's friend's son who was battling Leukemia and had a love for Lego. This story touched my heart, as my dad died from Multiple Myeloma (a form of Leukemia) when I was 15.

The Ribbon of Courage set is so versatile, but to me, this is the quintessential card for this set... whose life hasn't been touched by breast cancer? I think this card is simple, but meaningful (my favorite element on this card is the white ribbons in the background... I never would have thought to do that... very clever, Jennifer!).

I LOVE this card! It makes me want to reach out to someone I've been thinking of, but haven't been in touch with for a while. I'm going to CASE (copy and share everything) it and send it out this week. Who doesn't need a little bit of love and hugs sent their way?

I hope you've enjoyed seeing the cards Jennifer and I have created with our challenge. Tune in next week for more fun creations using two new sets! Oh, and by the way... we still need a name for our little challenge. Hint, hint...

Saturday, August 19, 2017

The final card from the card challenge with Jennifer (we need a name for our challenge, so if you have a clever one, please let us know!). I have to say, I am in LOVE with this card! It's one that I may hoard, uh, I mean hold on to forever!!

If you didn't know this about me already, I really love fussy-cutting (silhouetting an image). The Eclectic Layers Thinlits set has a couple of embossing pieces, like the gold leaf above, but I honestly wish this particular piece had a framelit... it was really hard to fussy-cut. I'm not sure if it was the gold foil paper (which I love), but it was difficult to get clean lines. Did I use that element on my card? Check this out...

Nope! I honestly don't think it was needed. I think I'll try to fussy-cut that element out of regular cardstock and use it on another card. What do you think?

Friday, August 18, 2017

Yesterday I shared a card that was created for a card challenge my friend Jennifer and I are doing to inspire each other to 1) use stamp sets we have and may not have used, 2) step out of our comfort zone and create something different than we usually would, and 3) stamp more. Believe it or not, number three is quite challenging. Let's face it, not many of us have unlimited time to create.

This card is a definite departure from what I usually do - and I'm still not sure if I like it. I posted this "tease" on my Facebook page last week and was surprised with the number of comments. Hopefully everyone who liked the tease will like the finished card.

Drum roll, please....

So what do you think??? The more I look at it, the more it's growing on me. I ended up sending this to my uncle because honestly... he's a gem and truly is a lovely person - and I wanted him to know it.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

My friend (and fellow demonstrator) Jennifer and I have challenged each other to create three different cards using one stamp set. Of course this challenge is with a deadline (I don't do well working with deadlines because something always comes up... so this really is a challenge) and each of us will blog our creations (and I just might share hers, too!).

I decided to start with the Oh So Eclectic stamp set from Stampin' Up!'s 2017-2018 catalog. I'm so glad this set was on Jennifer's list of options because I just received it. I love how bright and cheery everything from the Naturally Eclectic Suite is... even though I'm not necessarily a "floral" person. I did, however, have a hard time getting started on this card so I turned to the catalog for inspiration.

I chose a different color scheme, because although I was using the catalog for inspiration, I wanted the card to be my own. I guess you could say I used the catalog as a "sketch" of sorts.

I really feel a sense of accomplishment with this card. My designs are usually quick and easy, and not so embellished, so to create a card with so many elements and textures is huge!

I would love to read what you think about this card. Feel free to leave a message below, or perhaps share a card of your own using this set.